Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Allison Henning. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Allison , looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. We’d love for you to start by sharing your thoughts about the pros and cons of family businesses.
In my opinion, family businesses have both positive and negative aspects. On one hand, the strong bonds between family members and the sense of shared purpose can lead to incredible success. On the other hand, conflicts and tensions can arise, particularly in decision-making and succession planning.
Regarding my business, I am uncertain whether I want my children to join me. While it would be wonderful to work alongside them and pass on my knowledge and expertise, I would never want to pressure them into taking over the business if it wasn’t something they were genuinely passionate about.
I have witnessed both triumphant and disastrous outcomes in family businesses. What works for one family may not work for another. It all depends on the family dynamic. Conversely, I have seen families torn apart by disagreements over the business’s direction and who should take the reins.
Overall, family businesses have immense potential, but they require significant hard work, communication, and flexibility to thrive.
Allison , before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?
I’m a proud wife, mother of three, and a native of West Tennessee. I enjoy drinking coffee, eating chocolate, and sipping wine while reading a hardback book. My passion for books and literacy started early on in my life. In Atlanta, I own an award-winning mobile bookstore called Wanderlust Reads. My vision for the bookstore was to provide a unique way for people to access literature and promote literacy in different communities. I was inspired to create a mobile bookstore after noticing a lack of bookstores in certain areas and wanting to make literature more accessible to everyone. I wanted to bring books directly to people in their communities rather than waiting for them to come to a physical store. I also loved the idea of traveling and exploring new places while sharing my passion for books.
What do you think helped you build your reputation within your market?
My dedication to providing high-quality and exceptional customer service has helped me build a strong reputation within my market. By consistently delivering on my promises and going above and beyond to meet my customers’ needs, I have earned their trust and loyalty. Additionally, I have always been transparent and honest in my business practices, which has helped me establish a reputation for integrity and reliability. Overall, a strong reputation is built on a foundation of hard work, honesty, and a commitment to excellence.
What’s been the most effective strategy for growing your clientele?
The most effective strategy for growing my clientele has been word of mouth. I prioritize building strong relationships with my current clients and providing top-notch service, and they often refer me to their friends and colleagues. Additionally, I have a strong online presence and regularly update my social media and website to attract new clients. Focusing on providing exceptional service and building strong relationships has been key to growing my business.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.bookshop.org/wanderlustreads
- Instagram: @wanderlustreads2021
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/WanderlustReads
Image Credits
Phoenix Photography ATL